If we would have assigned a different value for x, the equation would have given us another value for y. In other words, 3(x+7) - 5 = 3x+16.If we in the following equation y=x+7 assigns a value to x, the equation will give us a value for y. Since it's impossible to add variables and numbers, we can't simplify this expression any further. Next, we can simplify the subtraction 21 - 5. There are two things inside the parentheses: x and 7. So what's our first step?Īs you might remember, the 3 on the outside of the parentheses means that we need to multiply everything inside the parentheses by 3. In this case, however, x+7 can't be simplified since we can't add a variable and a number. Normally with the Order of Operations, we would simplify what is inside the parentheses first. Sometimes when simplifying expressions, you might see something like this: To multiply variables with coefficients, first multiply the coefficients, then write the variables next to each other. You can also multiply and divide variables with coefficients. Subtraction works the same way, so 5 y - 4 y = 1 y, or just y. To add variables that are the same, you can simply add the coefficients. Still a little confused or need more practice? We wrote an entire lesson on the order of operations. That's all it takes! Remember, you must follow the order of operations when you're performing calculations-otherwise, you may not get the correct answer. Our expression has been simplified-there's nothing left to do. All that's left is the last step in the order of operations: addition and subtraction.ģ2 + 3 is 35, and 35 - 30 is 5. We'll do those from left to right: 2 ⋅ 16 and 18 / 6.Ģ ⋅ 16 is 32, and 18 / 6 is 3. Next, we need to take care of the multiplication and division. There's one exponent in this equation: 4 2, or four to the second power.Ĥ 2is 16. According to the order of operations, next we'll simplify any exponents. In this equation, you'd start by simplifying the part of the expression in parentheses: 24 - 20.Ģ4 minus 20 is 4. Let's look at a problem to see how this works. According to the order of operations, you should solve the problem in this order: The order of operations is a rule that tells you the correct order for performing calculations. Like with any problem, you'll need to follow the order of operations when simplifying an algebraic expression. If this seems like a big leap, don't worry! All you need to simplify most expressions is basic arithmetic - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division - and the order of operations. Basically, you're turning a long expression into something you can easily make sense of. Simplifying algebraic expressions is the same idea, except you have variables (or letters) in your expression. Both versions of the expression equal the exact same amount one is just much shorter. In other words, 15 is the simplest way to write 4 + 6 + 5. If you simplified it by combining the terms until there was nothing left to do, the expression would look like this: At the end, there shouldn't be any more adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing left to do. When you simplify an expression, you're basically trying to write it in the simplest way possible. Simplifying an expression is just another way to say solving a math problem. en/algebra-topics/writing-algebraic-expressions/content/ Simplifying expressions
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